Since the 12th century, cardinal has been used as a noun referring to a fundamentally important clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church, ranking only below the pope.

CARDINAL definition: a high ecclesiastic appointed by the pope to the College of Cardinals and ranking above every other ecclesiastic but the pope. See examples of cardinal used in a …

CARDINAL meaning: 1. a priest of very high rank in the Roman Catholic Church: 2. a number that represents amount…. Learn more.

A cardinal is a bright red songbird, and the word also refers to the bird's crimson color. In Catholicism, a cardinal is a high-ranking bishop. In math, you use cardinal numbers to count. A …

Define cardinal. cardinal synonyms, cardinal pronunciation, cardinal translation, English dictionary definition of cardinal. adj. 1. Of foremost importance; paramount: a cardinal rule; cardinal sins.

Oct 31, 2025 · cardinal (comparative more cardinal, superlative most cardinal) Of fundamental importance; crucial, pivotal. quotations a cardinal rule

Definition of cardinal noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

The cardinal points [=the four main directions] on a compass are North, South, East, and West.

Oct 4, 2023 · That denotes or expresses a countable quantity; that is a cardinal numeral (see cardinal numeral n.) or cardinal number (see cardinal number n.). Also: of or relating to …

Cardinal (Catholic Church): In a religious context, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church, a cardinal is a high-ranking official who is a member of the College of Cardinals. Cardinals are …